Rummy Nose Tetra | Hemigrammus bleheri

Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri )

Also known as the Firehead Tetra

The Rummy Nose Tetra is a striking schooling fish, renowned for its shimmering silver body, bright red-orange facial coloration, and distinctive black-and-white striped tail. Among the various Rummy Nose varieties, the “Brilliant” stands out with its enhanced iridescent silver scales, making it an exceptional choice for aquarists seeking both beauty and activity in their community aquariums.

Behavior & Compatibility

Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetras are highly social and must be kept in schools of 6 or more to thrive. They primarily inhabit the top and middle levels of the aquarium but will also feed at lower levels.

They are compatible with most peaceful community fish and can coexist with larger, gentle invertebrates. Adult dwarf shrimp may be safe, though very small shrimp and fry could be preyed upon.

Care & Feeding

Tank-raised and adaptable, Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetras do best in soft, slightly acidic water enriched with plants, tannins, and leaf litter. They are hardy but display their brightest colors in clean, stable, and well-planted aquariums.

They are omnivorous and accept a wide range of foods:

• High-quality flakes and micro pellets

• Frozen or freeze-dried meaty foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

• Occasional live foods to enhance coloration and vitality

What We Like About This Fish

• Bright red-orange nose and bold striped tail pattern

• Stunning silver scales unique to the “Brilliant” variety

• Peaceful nature, excellent for community aquariums

• Active schooling behavior adds constant motion

• Ideal for upper and mid-water activity in planted setups

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 69.8–80.6°F (20–27°C)

• pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)

• KH: 4–8 dKH

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (school of 6+)

Care Guidelines

• Diet: Omnivorous – flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods

• Social Behavior: Peaceful, shoaling; keep in schools

• Origin: Tank-bred (native to South America)

• Adult Size: 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm)

• Purchase Size: 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm)

✨ With their vibrant noses, striped tails, and shimmering silver bodies, Rummy Nose Tetras are one of the most captivating shoaling fish for community and planted aquariums.